They’re Back! Fishermen Flock to Navy Pier

by Kelly Spence

No Comments

What with all the attractions and entertainment at Navy Pier— the Crystal Gardens to the IMAX theatre, fine dining, and so much more—it can be easy to forget that Navy Pier is, first and foremost, a pier! And what are piers perfect for? Why, for fishing of course! That’s why around this time of year, when things have quieted down at the Landshark Beer Garden for the season and everyone is looking for warm indoor activities like Winter WonderFest, the fishermen begin to appear in droves around the edge of the Pier, bundled up with poles in hand, waiting for the rush of that first bite.

It’s a fisherman’s dream—setting up camp at one of the most renowned piers in the world and casting off into one of the largest lakes in the country. If you’re a fan of fishing and live in the Chicagoland area, it’s certainly something you should experience at least once. Come out at dawn, catch the sunrise, and cast your line into majestic Lake Michigan—as much a part of the Chicago landscape as the skyline itself.

It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, the one between the fishermen and the Pier. The Pier provides the ideal setting for the Chicagoland resident looking to get away for a day without having to travel far, and in return, the fishermen provide Navy Pier with a charming, local ambiance, proving that the Pier has something to offer for visitors and residents alike.

So why fish at the Pier? The Pier offers a special fisherman’s r
ate for parking! Anyone who has a valid fishing license can show it at the Navy Pier Standard Parking Garage Office and park in the Navy Pier Garages for just $5 from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.! Cars must be out of the garages by 10 a.m. to receive the discount, but we also have special seasonal parking rates running now through March 23, 2014, if 5 hours of fishing isn’t enough! Plus, Navy Pier offers a place to warm up with a quick coffee break or a hot meal if you need it. We doubt you can say the same for your local fishing hole…

Whether you come to cast off yourself or just observe, we think everyone can agree that the fishermen at Navy Pier are just another part of what makes Chicago so special.